PR Sreejesh, the Indian Hockey Team goalkeeper just became the first Indian man to win the World Games Athlete of the year award. This is the conductive year when an Indian Hockey player has been presented the award. Last year it was Rani Rampal who was awarded the award in the women's category.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper played an instrumental role in India's glory at the Tokyo Olympics. Moreover, his saves earned India the Bronze medal as well. This was India's first Olympic medal in Hockey after 41 years.
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A total number of 24 athletes from 17 countries were nominated for the World Games Athlete of the year award. The award is given to the athlete considering individual and team performances along with social commitments.
PR Srejeesh got 127'647 votes after three months of online voting and topped the chart. Meanwhile, Alberto Ginés López of Spain got 67'428 votes. Alberto is the first-ever Sport climbing Gold medalist from Tokyo 2020. Along with them, in the third position, it was Michele Giordano from Italy with 52'046 votes. The Wushu player is one of the most loved athletes due to his gamesmanship and humble behaviour.
Earlier in FIH Stars Awards in October, PR Sreejesh was awarded the best goalkeeper of the year award as well.